RYA to celebrate landmark anniversary at Dinghy Show
by Becky Gilbert-Wood 22 Feb 2020 01:00 PST
29 February - 01 March 2020
National Sailing Centre Cowes 1970 © RYA
The RYA is delighted to be celebrating 50 years of its globally-recognised training schemes, and will be launching a year of celebrations to mark the milestone anniversary at the RYA Dinghy Show in association with Yachts & Yachting (29 February - 01 March 2020).
Join RYA Director of Training and Qualifications, Richard Falk and RYA Chief Instructor of the Dinghy and Windsurfing training schemes, Amanda Van Santen, on Saturday 29 February 2020 (11:30), at the RYA stand in Panorama Hall for birthday cake and a Q&A compered by Olympic Match racer and show host, Annie Lush.
A timeline celebrating key moments and a selection of images from the last 50 years will also be on display for visitors to enjoy.
Introduced in 1970, the RYA Dinghy and Coaching schemes were developed to assist clubs and sailing schools by providing a national syllabus and method of learning to sail. 50 years on, the RYA has a network of more than 2,400 recognised training centres in 58 countries worldwide and supports the delivery of over 100 different courses.
More than 270,000 people undertake some form of RYA training every year and the programme of courses is no longer exclusive to dinghies, but now encompasses everything from personal watercraft to the inland waterways, the thrill of foiling, the globally respected RYA Yachtmaster™ and so much more.
Richard Falk commented: "We're delighted to be marking this exciting milestone at the RYA Dinghy Show. It all started in dinghies fifty years ago and it seems appropriate to be kicking off a year of celebrations surrounded by dinghy sailors, instructors and those passionate about the water.
"Since 1970, millions of people have taken one of our courses, with hundreds of thousands of instructors helping them develop their love of boating. There have been many exciting developments, particularly over the last decade: the introduction of e-learning and digital publications, the expansion of training centres overseas, a range of new courses and the arrival of foiling dinghies and windsurf boards. And as we start this new decade, we're excited to be looking to the future."
From children to adults, beginners to marine professionals and everyone in-between, the RYA's training schemes have impacted a significant number of people and helped to shape boating as it is today. Over the next 12 months the RYA will be looking back at how things have evolved, sharing memories and thanking everyone who's been a part of the journey.
Be a part of it
Maybe an RYA training course was the start of a life-long hobby or career on the water. An introduction to friends or loved ones, or the inspiration and starting point for the adventure of a lifetime? Perhaps it even saved your life? Whatever your story, we want to hear how RYA training has impacted you. Please send your images, anecdotes and favourite memories to
To find out more about the 50th anniversary and the history of the RYA training schemes, visit rya.org.uk/go/50years. For more information about RYA courses go to rya.org.uk/training
For more information about the RYA Dinghy Show and to purchase advance tickets visit dinghyshow.org.uk